Built Environment
Today’s need for new and replacement infrastructure is huge. In the developed world, much of our physical infrastructure is reaching the end of its useful life. The US alone requires $3.6 trillion in investment by 2020 and a whopping 63,000 bridges are in need of repair. In rapidly developing Asia and the Middle East, new cities and networks like Songdo in South Korea and Lusail in Qatar are being built at an unprecedented pace and scale.
Technology
New technologies and business models from the start-up ecosystem have the potential to radically alter the infrastructure sector. Sensor data can create new revenue streams and extend asset life. Smart meters and thermostats can help us conserve and re-route energy capacity. Routing algorithms enable services such as Lyft Line that can supplement public transit or solve last mile commercial delivery challenges.
Capital
Funding infrastructure is expensive. Few sources of capital are willing to underwrite both the risks of new technologies and the scale of infrastructure. Venture capital firms can handle technology risks, but not scale. Project finance can handle scale, but not technology risk.
